The images on our screens this week from Parkland, Fla., were horrifying, alarming, and heart breaking. Students fleeing from a place where they should feel safe from the worries of a much bigger world, rock us back on our heels. It is never something we want to think about happening in our own district, but it is something we know we must be thinking about almost constantly.

While every school district is unique in its own characteristics, we all share one common element – a love of children and a dedication to their growth and development. It doesn’t matter if that district is located in Newtown, Conn. or Parkland, Fla. or Madison County, Ky., our goal is all the same – teach them, feed them, love them, and send them into the world prepared for success.

Safety is our highest priority. There is no way Madison County Schools can accomplish the instructional goals we have set if our students and our staff don’t feel safe while they are at school. So we work with organizations like the Kentucky Center for School Safety and local law enforcement agencies to ensure we are doing everything we can to keep our students and staff safe every day.

Madison County Schools 2017-2018 school year calendar has changed in light of recent inclement weather. School will be in session on Monday, February 19, 2018. This day was originally slated as a staff planning and development day.

Please keep these wintertime reminders handy as we navigate the winter months and their unpredictibility.

All cancellations will be announced officially by the district on this website as well as on the district's official social media sites - Facebook and Twitter. If you see a cancellation and are uncertain of its validity, please check the district's website or social media sites.

If the district chooses to have an NTI day (non-traditional instruction), that information will also be announced on the district's website and official social media sites.

Students should have received NTI packets and information from their schools. If that information has not been made available to your child, please contact his or her teacher or the school's office.

If the district elects to delay the start of school, that information will be announced on the district's website and official social media sites. Information about a delay can be found on the district's website under the "District Information" tab on the left side of the page.

Madison County Schools Board of Education approved the proposed rezoning plan to take effect in August 2018. Assistant Superintendent Randy Neeley presented the plan and then answered questions from the Board members. The plan was approved with a vote of 4-1 with the opposing vote coming from Board Member Mary Renfro. The proposed plan includes the new zone for Boonesborough Elementary and outlines the changes for other elementary schools as well as the shift for middle schools.